The heart never grows better by age; I fear rather worse, always harder. A young liar will be an old one, and a young knave will only be a greater knave as he grows older.

The manner of a vulgar man has freedom without ease, and the manner of a gentleman has ease without freedom.

Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.

Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known, than their crimes; and, if you hint to a man that you think him silly, ignorant, or even ill-bred or awkward, he will hate you more, and longer, than if you tell him plainly that you think him a rogue.

The greatest dangers have their allurements, if the want of success is likely to be attended with a degree of glory. Middling dangers are horrid, when the loss of reputation is the inevitable consequence of ill success.

Whoever plays deep must necessarily lose his money or his character.

Without some dissimulation no business can be carried on at all.